Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ABIDJAN802
2007-07-31 17:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abidjan
Cable title:
MOROCCO BATTALION APPEARS TO REMAIN ON DUTY; SORO
how-toVZCZCXRO7158 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHAB #0802 2121751 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 311751Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0182 RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3318 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABIDJAN 000802
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
IO FOR ODELL
USUN FOR TRASTYMAN, MORRIS
AF FOR BITTRICK, BANKS, PLUMB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/31/2017
TAGS: KPKO UNSC PREL IV
SUBJECT: MOROCCO BATTALION APPEARS TO REMAIN ON DUTY; SORO
QUIETLY SUPPORTS THEIR CONTINUED ROLE
REF: ABIDJAN 781
Classified By: EconChief EMassinga, Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABIDJAN 000802
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
IO FOR ODELL
USUN FOR TRASTYMAN, MORRIS
AF FOR BITTRICK, BANKS, PLUMB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/31/2017
TAGS: KPKO UNSC PREL IV
SUBJECT: MOROCCO BATTALION APPEARS TO REMAIN ON DUTY; SORO
QUIETLY SUPPORTS THEIR CONTINUED ROLE
REF: ABIDJAN 781
Classified By: EconChief EMassinga, Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) Emboff's security detail during a recent trip to
Bouake (septel) was from the Moroccan battalion, recently the
subject of controversy relating to allegations of sexual
misconduct (reftel A). The security detail was professional,
courteous, and well-disciplined. Emboff traveled around the
town of Bouake extensively; there was no/no negative
reaction, or even notice, from the city's citizenry, although
the allegations were widely known and circulated. It was
very clear to Emboff that despite ONUCI public statements
that the MorBatt was confined to barracks and suspended from
duties, they remain very much on the job.
2. (C) During a July 25 conversation with Forces Nouvelles
Deputy Director of Cabinet Cisse Sindou, Sindou said the FNs
had sent ONUCI a confidential letter asking the Moroccans be
retained, and that punishment be assessed individually, not
collectively. The letter noted that the Moroccan battalion
was perhaps ONUCI's best, and that it would be needed for the
Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration phase of the
peace process. The mayor of a large town near Bouake which
hosts a MorBatt base wrote a similar, public letter to ONUCI,
and has publicly called on the UN to retain the troops and
allow them to patrol.
HOOKS
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
IO FOR ODELL
USUN FOR TRASTYMAN, MORRIS
AF FOR BITTRICK, BANKS, PLUMB
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/31/2017
TAGS: KPKO UNSC PREL IV
SUBJECT: MOROCCO BATTALION APPEARS TO REMAIN ON DUTY; SORO
QUIETLY SUPPORTS THEIR CONTINUED ROLE
REF: ABIDJAN 781
Classified By: EconChief EMassinga, Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) Emboff's security detail during a recent trip to
Bouake (septel) was from the Moroccan battalion, recently the
subject of controversy relating to allegations of sexual
misconduct (reftel A). The security detail was professional,
courteous, and well-disciplined. Emboff traveled around the
town of Bouake extensively; there was no/no negative
reaction, or even notice, from the city's citizenry, although
the allegations were widely known and circulated. It was
very clear to Emboff that despite ONUCI public statements
that the MorBatt was confined to barracks and suspended from
duties, they remain very much on the job.
2. (C) During a July 25 conversation with Forces Nouvelles
Deputy Director of Cabinet Cisse Sindou, Sindou said the FNs
had sent ONUCI a confidential letter asking the Moroccans be
retained, and that punishment be assessed individually, not
collectively. The letter noted that the Moroccan battalion
was perhaps ONUCI's best, and that it would be needed for the
Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration phase of the
peace process. The mayor of a large town near Bouake which
hosts a MorBatt base wrote a similar, public letter to ONUCI,
and has publicly called on the UN to retain the troops and
allow them to patrol.
HOOKS